Italy beat England 3 – 2 on penalties to win Euro 2020
The Azzurris came from behind to extend a gripping European Championship final into Extra - time and finally seal their second Euro triumph after beating England 3-2 on penalties
Italy defeated England 3 – 2 on penalties in Sunday’s Euro 2020 final at Wembley to secure the European Championship for the first time since 1968.
The Azzurris came from behind to extend a gripping European Championship final into Extra – time and finally seal their second Euro triumph after beating England 3-2 on penalties.
Luke Shaw shot England into the lead with a superb stunner just after two minutes but Bonucci’s strike in the 67th minute for Italy, truncated England’s hopes of ending a 55-year wait for a major trophy in heartbreaking fashion as they lose on penalties in the final of Euro 2020 at Wembley.
In front of frenzied crowd and handed another home advantage at Wembley, Gareth Southgate’s men looked comfortable, were up and running in the first half but a resilient Italian side suddenly gained a foothold in the closing phase of the first half.
Italy gradually took command after the restart, dominated possession, and it was no surprise when they restored parity some 22 minutes after the break.
Both sides fought out as they looked forward to end years of trophy drought but neither of the two sides prevailed after 90 minutes pushing the game into extra time and finally on penalties at a raucous Wembley.
England missed three of their five penalties whiles Italy converted three out their five kicks.
Harry Kane and Harry Maguire scored for England while Pickford kept hopes alive with saves from Andrea Belotti and Jorginho, Domenico Berardi, Bonucci and Federico Bernardeschi scored for Italy.
Italy keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma saved spot-kicks from Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka after Marcus Rashford hit the post.
Jordan Pickford was similarly fantastic on the night as he saved two penalties but in the end the Italian gladiators were the last ones standing at the Wembley’s football Coliseum.
The English players looked tearful, 19-year-old Saka, Sancho , Rashford – The English fans were also devastated after the loss.
It was heartbreaking for most of the 67,000 Wembley crowd as England came up short in their first major final since they won the World Cup 55 years ago.
It was the first final to be decided on penalties since Czechoslovakia beat West Germany in 1976 and will be wildly celebrated in Italy after they lost in the final in 2000 and 2012.
The victory was Italy’s 2nd European Championship triumph.
Acknowledgement: Betway Ghana (Headline Sponsor)
Mark F. | SilverFM
